What's up guys? So, I've started collating everything I need for my college apps, but I'm not sure when the best time to send them in is? Should I be doing it ASAP or is there a 'peak' time I don't know about?
Hello! I'm glad to hear you're on top of things and getting ready for the applications. Indeed, the timing of your submission can be important.
The conventional wisdom is the sooner the better, but it's crucial not to sacrifice the quality of your application for the sake of turning it in early. You'll want to give yourself enough time to draft, edit, and polish your essays, double-check all information, and make sure you've got everything in order. If you rush through the process, you may make mistakes that could have been easily avoided.
If you're applying Early Decision or Early Action, deadlines are usually in the fall, often in November. Regular Decision deadlines tend to be in January, although this can vary by school. While there's no "peak" time per se, submitting your application a few weeks before the deadline allows for any technical issues that might occur with the online submission process. It also shows colleges you are organized and thoughtful about the process.
So, a key point to remember is that submitting early is beneficial but not at the cost of the quality of your application. You've got one chance to make a good impression, so make sure it's the best representation of you as a potential student. Good luck!
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